From the Guidelines
The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is below 60 breaths per minute. This is based on the criteria for discharge of healthy term newborn infants, as outlined in a study published in the journal Pediatrics in 2015 1. According to this study, a respiratory rate below 60 per minute is considered within the normal range for newborns, with no other signs of respiratory distress.
Key Points to Consider
- Newborns have smaller lungs and developing respiratory muscles, which requires them to breathe faster than older children and adults.
- When assessing a newborn's respiratory rate, it is essential to count the breaths for a full minute while the baby is quiet or sleeping for the most accurate measurement.
- A respiratory rate consistently above 60 breaths per minute may indicate respiratory distress, while a rate below 30 breaths per minute could signal respiratory depression.
- Other signs of respiratory problems in newborns include nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, cyanosis, and irritability.
Clinical Implications
The respiratory rate of a newborn is a critical vital sign that requires careful monitoring. A rate below 60 breaths per minute is considered normal, but any deviation from this range should be thoroughly evaluated to rule out any potential respiratory issues 1. By understanding the normal respiratory rate for newborns, healthcare providers can quickly identify any abnormalities and provide prompt treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes for these vulnerable patients.
From the Research
Normal Respiratory Rate in Newborns
- The normal respiratory rate for newborns can vary, but according to a study published in 2016 2, the median respiratory rates for healthy term infants during the first 24 hours of life were 46 breaths/minute at 2 hours, and 42 to 44 breaths/minute thereafter.
- The 95th percentile for respiratory rate in healthy term infants was 65 breaths/minute at 2 hours, and 58 to 60 breaths/minute thereafter, as reported in the same study 2.
- Another study published in 1994 3 found that respiratory rate decreases with age, and that the decline is faster in the first few months of life.
- A study from 1990 4 found that the mean respiratory rate for babies under 6 months old was 61 breaths/minute when awake, and 42 breaths/minute when asleep.
Respiratory Rate and Severity of Illness
- A study published in 1990 4 found that respiratory rate when awake did not correlate with the severity of a baby's illness or the presence of serious lower respiratory tract infections.
- However, another study from 2015 5 noted that newborns with respiratory distress commonly exhibit tachypnea with a respiratory rate of more than 60 respirations per minute.
Monitoring Respiratory Rate
- A study published in 2018 6 presented a clinical validation of a wearable respiratory rate device for neonatal monitoring, which showed a high degree of correlation between the respiratory rate measured by the device and reference measurements.
- The same study 6 highlighted the importance of continuous and long-term respiratory rate monitoring in neonates to recognize the signs and symptoms of respiratory disorders.